Elia Draws A Line

Amid criticism from lawmakers and advocates for her comments regarding the opt-out movement, state Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia has softened her stance somewhat, but still insists it’s inappropriate for teachers and superintendents to advocate for students not to take state tests.

During a CapTon interview last night, Elia said there’s definitely an ethical “line” teachers should not cross when it comes to the third-through-eighth-grade English and math exams.

The commissioner said educators should not use the “pulpit” provided by their positions to reach out to parents and encourage them to opt out, but should feel free to answer questions about their personal position on the issue when asked – especially if those questions are posed outside the classroom.

“What I’m concerned about is taking a position and influencing children and families simply because they know their telephone number or someone might come in,” Elia said.

Elia acknowledged that it is perfectly legal for parents to decide not to have their children sit for state tests, but also said she believes parents need to be educated about the importance of those tests as a diagnostic and “assessment” tool.

She said she isn’t threatening anyone with sanctions, but is reaching out to superintendents to provide them with information to give to parents on this issue. At the moment, Elia confirmed, no districts will be losing federal funding as a result of unusually high opt-out rates.

The commissioner also said the SED has not yet received any applications from districts seeking a hardship waiver for setting up their local portions of the new teacher evaluation programs, which are tied in part to test results. But it’s still early in the process, and she expects those will come in soon.